Flavors and fragrances · Research & development
Digital Sample Workflows for Research
Request samples, define tests and track progress in one web application. A modular interim solution for three research domains, delivered from concept through rollout and training.
Explore the case- Industry
- Flavors and fragrances · Research & development
- Our role
- Independent technology advice and complete application delivery
- Focus & technology
- Oracle APEX · Oracle Cloud at the client’s request
- Scope
- Modular application · Continued operation and rollout
Client anonymized.
The starting point
How can research teams digitize sample workflows while keeping their long-term laboratory plans in view?
A global flavors and fragrances company managed research samples through MS Access, Excel forms and printed or scanned labels. Teams needed a consistent way to send test requests to the laboratory, link samples with the required tests and follow their progress.
The client’s long-term plan included a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The immediate need was a targeted interim application to digitize the sample-request workflow. Its modular design accommodates differences between teams while reusing the same foundation across research domains.
Our contribution
PROVADIT’s contribution
PROVADIT delivered the entire application, from requirements and concept through development, acceptance testing and global rollout to training. A reusable foundation supports different sample types and research teams. The application uses the client’s central research data platform as a shared source of R&D information.
Independent advice. The client’s technology choice.
PROVADIT independently assessed the available technology options and presented them to the client without a vendor preference. Oracle Cloud was the client’s explicit choice. On that basis, PROVADIT developed the application with Oracle APEX on the client’s Oracle Cloud research data platform.
Build a shared foundation with adaptable workflows
The research data warehouse provides the shared information foundation, using Data Vault, ETL, PL/SQL and Azure AD. The modular application links requests, samples, test protocols, parameters and results. The same application foundation can be adapted to further research teams and regional requirements.
Introduce, train and continue developing
Weekly meetings and updates, supported by almost-daily fixes, kept delivery closely connected to users. PROVADIT guided acceptance testing, demonstrations and rollout, and trained the internal team to build, run and extend the platform. Hands-on exercises covered Oracle Cloud, APEX, PL/SQL, ETL, Data Vault, Git and documentation.
Inside the work
From a test request to an analytical report.
The workflow connects requests, samples, tests and results. Shared data and adaptable steps help researchers and laboratory teams work together across different research requirements.
Create a request and attach the samples
A guided workflow captures the request and links the samples needed for the investigation. Multiple samples can be managed together while retaining their individual context.
Select tests and set the parameters
Researchers choose the appropriate tests and parameters. Validation checks help keep the request complete and consistent with the selected laboratory workflow.
Review, submit and follow progress
A review step helps users check the request before submission. Shared status information and a combined sample view make progress easier to follow across research teams.
Complete the test and prepare the Excel report
The application exchanges relevant sample and result data with Excel through an API. Reports can use that information without re-keying it, while the application retains the workflow context.
One application foundation, three research domains.
The same foundation was reused and adapted for different research teams and sample types.
A reusable foundation
An initial research workflow established the shared application structure for requests, samples and progress tracking.
Adaptation for further teams
The same foundation was adapted to another research team’s requirements for collecting requests, organizing analysis and making results available.
Additional laboratory workflows
Further laboratory requirements extended the modular design with guided requests, configurable tests and Excel integration.
Deliverables
The work delivered. The decisions it supports.
The application remains in production and continues to be extended. One modular foundation supports three research domains, with ongoing maintenance, internal-team training and regional rollout beyond the initial build.
- A reusable application for three research domains, with a combined view of their samples.
- A rollout to additional teams and regions, supported by acceptance testing, training and knowledge transfer.
- An ongoing partnership for operating and extending the application and its supporting data platform.
Engagement context
The engagement covers the sample-request workflow, its enabling research-data foundation, training and continued support. It is a targeted interim application; the client’s longer-term laboratory information management system is a separate initiative.
What this illustrates
A focused interim application can improve a specific workflow while keeping the wider IT direction in view. Independent technology advice, reusable components and knowledge transfer connect immediate business needs with the client’s longer-term plans.
A related engagement
Research Data Warehouse on Oracle Cloud
Another case explores the design and development of a shared research-data foundation and the knowledge transfer needed to maintain it.
Read case study: Research Data Warehouse on Oracle CloudRelated expertise
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